Tactical Survival Knives

Tactical survival knives differ from wilderness survival knives in both form and function. While general wilderness survival knives are designed specifically for the tasks related to survival such as chopping or cutting wood to build fires or shelter, tactical knives were originally intended for fighting and are best suited for self-defense.

Tactical Knife Features

Tactical survival knives are designed primarily for self defense and as such the blades and handles of these knives are best suited to thrusting, piercing and stabbing. Unlike traditional wilderness survival knives, tactical survival knives are almost always double-edged meaning the spine (or at least part of it) is a sharpened cutting surface.

Some tactical blades offer a serrated portion, which is useful for sawing or scraping but may weaken the blade overall. Tactical knives are available with a wide range of blade sizes and materials as well as handle shapes and materials. The size of the blade and the overall size of the knife are really a matter of personal comfort and preference. How you plan to carry and use your tactical survival knife will dictate the size and style you opt for – the larger the knife the harder it may be to carry.

The knife tang is the back portion of the knife that is generally sandwiched between the two side pieces that come together to make the handle. A full tang knife is always preferable to a partial tang for strength. A full tang knife is less likely to snap or loosen when used for tougher tasks like penetrating metal.

The knife handle will also vary. Handles may be made of rubber, wood, bone, metal, or even cord wrapped around the tang. The best handle is the one that is most comfortable in your hand.

Tactical survival knives can be broken down into two basic categories

Fixed blade tactical knife

Where the knife is one solid piece through the blade and handle. These knives are stronger than folding knives. They are generally carried in a sheath.

Folding tactical knife

Where the knife blade and handle are hinged together. These knives are weaker than a fixed blade tactical knife but are more compact and can more easily be concealed and carried. Good quality, tactical knives are easy to open with one hand and lock in the open position for stability.

The blade geometry, or shape, determines the ideal uses for a given knife. While most knives can be used for just about anything in a pinch certain knife blade shapes are definitely preferable for certain survival tasks and activities. Tanto points are known for the blade tip strength. Tanto blades are best utilized for stabbing and piercing as well as certain drawing slices with the long flat blade edge. Many tanto blades are equipped with a serrated section that can be used for scraping and sawing. The non-serrated portions of the tanto blade are generally easier to sharpen in the wilderness than a rounded knife blade. The spear point blade is shaped much like a dagger with the spine of the knife located in the center between the two sharpened blade sides. Much like a dagger, a spear point tactical knife is designed for stabbing and multi-directional slashing.

Choosing A Tactical Knife

Like any tool, your choice of tactical knife will be highly dependent on your intended use, training, and comfort level. The best tactical knife is the one you are most comfortable holding and using. Some people prefer a shorter blade with the weight near the grip, others prefer a longer blade weighted more heavily by the tip. Finding the best tactical knife for you is supremely important because this is one of the most important and multi-functional survival tools you’ll carry.

Consider the following qualities when selecting a tactical knife:

How will you use it?

Is the primary function of the knife going to be self defense? Do you plan to carry other survival knives for other purposes? For example, a tanto is a great choice for self-defense and an acceptable choice for cutting wood and performing some survival tasks like prying, but the knife is not particularly well-suited to skinning or dressing game.

How Will You Carry It?

Are you looking for a survival knife that you can easily carry? Is concealing the knife important to you? Do you want to be able to access and use the knife quickly? A fixed blade knife is less compact and generally must be carried on your body rather than in a pocket or backpack. A folding tactical knife, on the other hand, may be more easily concealed or stored away in a pack pocket when not needed.

What Size Tactical Knife Is Right For You?

Again, this will come down to intended use, training, and comfort level. Do you plan to use the knife for any small, detail-oriented work? If so, a gargantuan blade may not be the best choice. Likewise, if you anticipate having to whack your way through brush and branches, you may prefer a larger blade.

How Will You Keep It Sharp?

A dull knife isn’t good for much, but sharpening a complicated blade in the field can be a big problem. Make sure the knife you choose is one that you can effectively sharpen on the go.

What Are The Laws & Codes Where You Live?

Make sure you know the state and local laws and codes in your area regarding the size and type of knife you can own and/or carry (concealed or not). Wouldn’t want the local law enforcement taking your tool away.